NCR RWA demand check on pollution, encroachment

NOIDA: NCR RWA has written a letter to authority CEO Rama Raman, district magistrate Nagendra Prasad Singh and SSP Kiran S on Saturday on the issue of increasing pollution, traffic jams and unchecked encroachment in the city.

"Noida being an industrial town has had to deal with problems related to pollution. But of late, the pollution level in the city has become unbearable. While industrial waste is a major concern, pollution from construction work in the real estate sector has made the air unbearable to breathe," said P S Jain, president Confederation of NCR RWAs (CONRWA).

According to Jain air particles in the city have become so polluted that people are facing breathing problems. "Many cases of asthma have increased recently with normally fit people finding it difficult to breathe. Also pollution from industrial generator sets is creating further environmental pollution. We've asked CEO Raman and DM Singh to check the source of such pollution and carry out necessary action where required," said Jain.

Apart from pollution, the problem of encroachment was also highlighted in the letter. "Every major cross section of the city, entry to residential sectors and market place faces encroachment from thelawalas (vendors who sell fruits and vegetables on carts). Also, unrestricted and unorganized auto, tempo line-ups add to the encroachment leading to huge traffic jams for long durations. All this further generates more pollution. We've urged CEO Raman to take action in this matter," said Chetan Sharma, secretary general CONRWA.

Traffic jams are further compounded by encroachments by school buses and private vehicles in front of the schools during day time, as well as near corporate offices respectively. "Many IT companies and corporate offices across Noida have dual parking facility in their basements. Yet 2/3 rds of the road in front of these companies and across the city, are encroached by vehicles parked there. These need to be removed and restricted to only single lane marked by yellow line for penalty in case of violation," said Jain.

CONRWA members further reiterate that unless concrete steps are not taken by the Authority and district administration, the problem will multiply beyond redemption. Hence they urge the officials to take corrective steps on priority basis.